Much of the hype for Kathleen Edwards’ new album, Voyageur, comes from curiosity about her collaboration with Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver), her co-producer and current beau. This is the first time Edwards has shared the writing process. The collaboration has inspired her to take her country-folk style one step further, producing a more contemporary and less genre-specific album of honest, raw tracks.
The pair’s voices complement each other with Edwards’ raspy, lower range and Vernon’s dreamy falsetto, especially in Voyageur’s “Chameleon/Comedian.”
In addition, Vernon’s longtime admiration of Edwards’ music has proven to be an asset, as his contributions are distinct, but in no way overwhelming.
Voyageur explores themes of broken and new love. The album begins with optimism as Edwards sings “this cold out is getting warmer / maybe come September I will feel brand new” in “Empty Threat.”
It intensifies with “Chameleon/Comedian.” The repetition of “every time” and “I don’t need a punch line” in combination with the constant bass drum and Vernon’s wailing creates a powerful expression of vulnerability.
“A Soft Place To Land” explores a different type of frustration, the exhaustion of a disagreement and the desire to seek comfort in another.
“Change The Sheets” has a fast tempo and warm sound with a searching guitar riff that sets a hopeful tone. The back-up vocals near the end seem to express moments of release as the song suggests a newfound freedom.
“House Full Of Empty Rooms” describes the emptiness in a fizzling relationship and “Mint” is a darker, seductive and bluesier tune.
“Sidecar” explores new love. The lyrics reflect Edwards’ and Vernon’s reality (he after that first heartbreaking LP as Bon Iver, and she after her recent divorce): “I was feeling so lost for so long / you were feeling so lost for so long,” showing how the truth is embedded into this album.
Her most poignant and revealing song is “Pink Champagne,” which exposes Edwards’ unhappiness with her recently finished marriage. Her bluntness and simplicity, coupled with the beautiful melody, is extremely moving, particularly when she states, “I don’t want to feel this way.”
“Going To Hell” is the most contemporary-sounding track, with syncopated rhythms, ascension in the melody and a fantastical sound. Edwards clearly pays homage to her homeland by mentioning the Great Lakes, and other landscapes, such as “mountains to the prairie grass,” in this love song.
Voyageur closes on a pretty, but long and underwhelming track featuring Norah Jones.
The album title perfectly encompasses Edwards’ love of Canada, and the emotions expressed in the album. Since Voyageur is French for “traveller,” Edwards takes her listener on a journey through the challenges and the joys of love, while celebrating Canadian heritage.
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